I first heard about the 65 infantry. Our regiment through my grandfather to add another cultural significance in which to successive. And if you Richmond playing -- not only in the Korean War board and Puerto Rico's history. Of until a couple of years ago when I first started. The congressional gold medal initiatives with the hope of other organizations around the nation -- Shortly after Puerto Rico became part of the United States and 1898. A regiment. Puerto Rican soldiers was formed and they served our nation bravely ever sense. In World War I they defend the homeland and patrolled the Panama Canal zone. And World War II they fought in Europe and Korea bear the 65 infantry regime US army. And segregation that set them apart from their fellow soldiers but their courage may have -- legendary. Mayor and thousands of metals for their service in Korea. Today we're gonna have to those accolades by awarding these soldiers one of -- one of the country's highest civilian honors the congressional gold now. The idea to for me to pursue the congressional gold medal. For a 65 infantry regiment Kane. Waned I heard about me an event. To honor on -- Minority veteran groups the Tuskegee airman in a month from when Marines. And when I saw the news correspondents and -- wait -- -- why not invite the 65 infantry Richmond -- -- -- years. When I first started out this -- -- it was a lot of organizations a lot of persistence. It was a collective in cumulative efforts around the country. From folks of all different races ethnicity gender. That put their part we all holes that not many. Yesterday's up presidential bill signed by a couple of Boston -- -- To help explain the concept of the congressional gold medal hopeful something that was when the biggest town and this is the creating -- years. Recognition in the nation so there's a proud and these veterans are in -- later stages of life. And we -- one to make sure that their service was not in vain. And to serve as vindication to serve as vindication to service emotional closure. For a lot of harsh lives and maybe justices -- when they went through. Through a lot of challenging factors I think -- bank it is important to receive the congressional gold medal. Because I think we need to and we need the contributions. Spending veterans of Hispanics into the fabric of American soldier. To have the congressional gold medal legislation signed by the president it feels -- it is a great feeling -- that Omar still. They're still star struck -- still this does not believe. Some -- seeing a lot of of their comrades passed away in battle. Others have been injured. In a lot of them freely since. --

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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